North Andover
The North Andover Senior Center is looking for someone to lead a chess club once a week. The center would provide a room for players and refreshments. Monday is game day, and groups play 45s and poker at the center. If there is enough interest, chess would be added in June. Call Barbara at 978-688-9560.
The center is in need of volunteers to visit and to provide telephone reassurance to seniors. Days and times are flexible. This is an important volunteer position and can make a difference to the senior and the volunteer.
People with good driving histories are needed to drive seniors to medical appointments. Every day of the week, someone needs to get to an appointment either around town or in Boston and does not have transportation. If you have a flexible schedule and would be willing to provide transportation and companionship, call Barbara at 978-688-9560.
The Friends of the North Andover Senior Center is looking for people that can offer expertise in fundraising efforts and on the board of directors. Every penny that the Friends raise is returned 100 percent to the seniors of the community. Examples of the Friends' achievements are a scholarship fund that provides half-price fees for classes at the senior center and an emergency fund that assists elders with utility bills, food and fuel, among other necessary expenses. The Friends offers financial assistance with the cost of MVRTA bus tickets by buying the tickets and selling them back to seniors at half price. The Friends meets once a month at the senior center. To learn more, call 978-688-9560.
— Irene O'Brien
Free classes: The week of May 19, come in and meet the teachers. Take a class, stop by and join the Monday morning lecture series or Wednesday morning news and views group. Stop in on Wednesday morning at 9 a.m. for a cup of coffee and a muffin. While you are here on Wednesdays stop in the walk-In clinic and have your blood pressure checked.
In honor of Older Americans Month, the North Andover Senior Center is offering free classes to all seniors from May 19 to 23. Monday through Friday. Come in and try any class or program. Stopy by and pick up a special May schedule for upcoming events.
Acting Out Theater Company will be at the North Andover Senior Center on Monday May 19, from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Linda Schoonmaker appears in "Script Readers." Lots of fun and laughter. Have you ever wondered if you have a struggling actor deep inside of you? This is your chance to shine.
Mystery Supper Club is Thursday, May 22. Cost is $19.
High Tea at the senior center is Thursday, May 29, from 3 to 6 p.m. with guest speaker Jay Atkinson, author of "City in Amber," a historical novel about Lawrence. Tea, sandwiches and pastry will be served. The event is presented by the Ladies High Tea Committee to benefit the Senior Center's Capital Improvement Project. Tickets are available at the Senior Center and Annie's Book Store.
A new series of computer classes is offered on Friday mornings from 9 to 10 a.m. at the North Andover Senior Center. Learn how to google, surf the net or write your personal story. The instructor will teach at the seniors' level, basic beginner or intermediate. Call the reception desk for appointment.
New line dancing classes will be on Wednesdays from 2 to 3 p.m. with instructor Jason McCollin, who was recently featured on "NH Chronicle."
Bridge Class for Beginners along with a refresher bridge course will start in June on Wednesdays from 1 to 4 p.m. Starting date will be announced in the next newsletter. There is a $3 charge per class.
The Friends of the North Andover Senior Center has reached the halfway point in the fundraising effort for capital improvements to the Senior Center. These improvements will help to improve the quality of care and services that are provided to the seniors of North Andover every day. Some plans are to improve the size of the health screening office as well as to provide a waiting area so that seniors waiting for transportation do not have to stand out in the weather. Outreach Coordinator Donna Delaney's office will be moved downstairs so that she will be more accessible for seniors.
Raffle tickets are on sale at the senior center for the Wii drawing, which will be June 17. Tickets are $10 each.
The next Friends of the North Andover Senior Center board meeting is scheduled for Thursday, June 5. The Friends of the North Andover Senior Center is looking for highly motivated, caring volunteers who would make a commitment to the group and organization. If you would like to see what it is all about, stop by on Thursday at 4:30 p.m.
The Council on Aging Board of Directors meets the second Tuesday of every month at 10 a.m. The next meeting is June 10 in the senior center conference room. All are welcome to attend.
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Socialization groups
Cuddles: The doll-making program meets every Friday morning from 10:30 a.m. to noon. It's a great time to be social and make new friends. No special talent necessary — there's something for everyone to do.
Knitting and Crocheting: Group knitting and crocheting sessions are every Tuesdays, 9:30-11:30 a.m. You do not have to know how to knit to join the group. Expert instructors are there to help.
Lecture Series: New speakers every week. Mondays, 10:30 a.m. Topics include visiting other Countries, health and wellness, politics and many other issues.
News and Views: Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m. to noon. All are welcome to join this informative and stimulating group. Each week a new topic is on the table covering current, local, national and international issues. Individuals are encouraged to express their points of view.
Heart to Heart: This group offers socialization and support. Guest speaker every week to share and educate, Wednesdays, 10-11:30 a.m.
The Book Club: Meets the first Friday of the month at 10:30 a.m.
Perennial Quilters: meet the first Friday of each month.
Bingo: Sessions are Tuesdays at 1:30 p.m. at the center.
Bridge Group: Meets every Monday and Friday, 1-4 p.m
Bridge refresher: Wednesdays, 1-3 p.m. Drop-in class for those who want to build their bridge skills. The facilitator is John Minihan and the cost is $3 per class.
Cards: Games of 45s and Nickels, Poker take place each Monday at 1:30 p.m. The games are open to all.
The Supper Club is a group of seniors who go out to dinner at different area restaurants once a month. The cost of dinner, tax, and gratuity is usually between $15.99 and $21, depending on the restaurant that is chosen. An additional $2 is charged for round-trip transportation.
Support and services
Legal Assistance: Do you have questions about Elder Law? Call the center to schedule a complimentary office visit with Attorney George White.
Blood Pressure Clinics: Every Wednesday, 9-11 a.m. at the North Andover Senior Center. This is a drop-in clinic; a VNA registered nurse will track weekly health concerns.
Foot Care: Dr. Connolly provides services once a month. Fee is $30; call for an appointment
Massage Therapy: Appointments the last Tuesday of every month at the Senior Center with a certified massage therapist. Call to schedule.
The Fix-it Man: At the Senior Center the first and third Monday of the month, 1-4 p.m., to repair lamps, watches, and small appliances. Cost of labor is $2 plus cost of parts. All proceeds are donated to the Senior Center. Mr. Fix It also has inexpensive, fun watches for $5 to $7.
Tierney Web site: Congressman John Tierney has a Web site for seniors. To visit his online office, go to http://www.house.gov/tierney/. This web site includes access to a range of services and information. For example Medicare and Veterans benefits, how to request a tour of the capital, or honor a loved one with a commemorative flag. Share concerns with Tierney by sending him an e-mail. Computer services are available at the North Andover Senior Center. Direct questions/concerns to North Andover Senior Center at 978-688-9560 or Cheryl Gresek, Tierney's constituent service representative, at 978-531-1669.
Transportation
Shopping Service: Grocery shopping to Market Basket is provided on Tuesdays and Wednesdays (curb-to-curb service.) The van leaves the Senior Center at 1 p.m. following a route for pick-ups and returns at 4 p.m. A $2 roundtrip donation is requested.
Super Wal-Mart and mall transport: Second Thursday of the month to Super Wal-Mart in Salem, N.H. The bus leaves the Senior Center at 11 a.m. and returns at 2 p.m. On the last Monday of the month, a Rockingham Mall trip leaves the center at 12:30 p.m. and returns at 4 p.m., Drop-off can be to your home if requested in advance. A donation of $4 is requested for roundtrip transportation to both destinations.
Round-Trip Shuttle: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 8:40 a.m. from homes to the Senior Center, returning after lunch. Cost is $1 round trip.
Silver Screen Classics: Every Monday, except holidays that fall on Mondays. Leaves the Senior Center at 12:30 p.m. or call for pick-up. Transportation $1 round trip and cost of movie entry $2.
Medical transport is available at the Senior Center though the NEET Program. To schedule an appointment call the Senior Center and ask for Paula. Three to four days notice and a 40 cents donation per mile are requested.
Volunteer drivers for the Medical Transport Program are always needed. Call the Senior Center.
Reuse, Recycle: The Senior Center is a collecting point for used cell phones and empty print cartridges. The cell phone program 911 is a way to provide cell phones to seniors at no cost. These phones can only be used in emergencies as they only have 911 capabilities. For further information or to obtain a phone, contact Donna Delaney at the Senior Center. Phones that cannot be reprogrammed are sent along with the empty print cartridges to a recycling center
Better Days Ahead: A program on managing chronic disease meets every Wednesday, starting April 23 through May 28, from 1 to 3:30 p.m. Home Care Inc. is offering this six-week program to address the needs of individuals in the community living with chronic health issues. Class size is limited to 16 people. Call Rita Lonardo, RN at 978-552-4674 to register.
Getting ready for digital television: At midnight on Feb. 17, 2009, full power broadcast television stations will stop broadcasting in analog format. Digital TV will replace the analog system. To prepare for this change, you can buy a new TV that has a built-in ATSC tuner, buy a Digital-to-Analog Converter Box, or subscribe to a Cable TV or Satellite TV service. To reduce the cost for analog TV owners, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration and the U.S. Department of Commerce developed a converter box coupon program. This program allows Analog TV owners to request coupons towards the purchase of a Digital-to-Analog converter box. Coupons will be available from now to March 31, 2009. All households that own a TV using over-the-air analog reception are eligible. Coupons, which will look like a plastic gift cards, will be redeemable through local electronic stores. Households may request two $40 coupons toward the purchase of an Analog-to-Digital converter boxes beginning by calling 888-DTV-2009, (1-888-388-2009) or online at www.DTV2009.gov, which also provides answers to frequently asked questions. Coupons will be forwarded via U.S. mail. The approximate cost of a converter box will be between $60 and $80.
Massachusetts Credit Freeze Law: A new weapon against identity theft is now available for all Massachusetts residents. This new credit report freeze will provide consumers with the ability to prevent unauthorized access to their Credit Reports and FICO Scores. Under the new law, credit-reporting agencies cannot charge a victim of identity, or his or her spouse, for placing a security freeze on their credit report. However, consumers who have not been victimized can be charged $5 by each credit-reporting agency. To implement a credit freeze you must notify, by certified letter, each of the three major credit-reporting agencies. You will receive a PIN number, which will be used to remove the freeze from your file. The credit freeze will not apply to your existing creditors, any of the affiliated companies, or any companies peeking at your credit files. The freeze does not affect collection activity or any government agencies.
The Council on Aging is at 120 Main St. For a full list of Council on Aging events, call 978-688-9560.
Boxford
Van use: The cost of using the van is $3 per person, per trip with some exceptions.
There is no charge to use the van to attend the weekly barbecue or congregate luncheons at the Council on Aging, but you must let the COA know ahead of time
For longer trips, the cost per person might be more than $3, but any new price will be noted in the schedule.
Other scheduling items to keep in mind:
The first Monday of the month will be set aside for the Silver Screen show at the Lawrence Showcase Cinema. The cost of the movie is $1, and the show starts at 1 p.m. Reserve your space the Wednesday before the week you want to go.
Wednesdays are set aside for transportation to and from the barbecues.
Thursdays are set aside for grocery shopping
COA board meeting: The Council on Aging Board usually meets every second Wednesday of the month at 9:30 a.m.
Mixed bag: Every Wednesday at 9:30 a.m. is the COA's Mixed Bag Day. This day is being set aside to cover many areas of interest such as knitting, sewing, arts and crafts.
Handymen: The handymen are Jacks of All Trades and are willing to help with some jobs around the house — fixing light switches, or changing locks.
Game Day: Every Monday at 9:30 a.m. Everyone enjoys a challenging game. Bring a friend and join in the fun. We have Rummikub, Scrabble, Yahtzee, Monopoly, checkers, cribbage and more.
Wanted: The senior center is looking for Northern Essex Elder Transport drivers. The center needs volunteers to drive seniors to various medical appointments, mostly in Peabody, Danvers, Beverly, Topsfield or Haverhill. Not a set schedule. The volunteers are provided with supplemental insurance for their vehicle and are reimbursed at 40 cents per mile. If you are interested, please call the COA at 978-887-3591.
Elder services: The last Thursday of the month, Kelly Manseau from Elder Services will have office hours at the COA. She plans to have an "open door" policy for all seniors who would like to speak to someone regarding Elder Services.
Silver Screen shows: At Lawrence Showcase Cinemas, first Monday of each month. Classic films shown at 1 p.m. for $1
Great Group: The Great Group is sponsored by the Boxford Village Garden Club and provides a monthly program specifically for women who have reached the age of late 70s or older. The monthly meetings are usually held every third Friday of the month at Four Mile Village. For more information, contact Doffy Falk at 978-887-8495.
Congregate lunch: Lunches are held at the COA every Tuesday and Thursday. Reservations are required and must be received prior to noon on Monday or Wednesday. The cost for this meal is still $1.50 per person.
Line dancing: This fun class will be held upstairs at the COA with instructor Arlene Parkhurst every Monday and Thursday from 10 to 11 a.m. All levels and ages are welcome and no prior experience is necessary to enjoy this class. Interested parties do no need to register, just come in and sign up at the beginning of the class. You can come to either class or both. Come on by and kick up your heels.
Yoga Classes: Tuesdays from 10 to 11 a.m. Rejuvenate your mind, body and spirit in classes taught by Mary Van Abs. Cost is $3 per class.
The Council on Aging is at 4 Middleton Road. For a full list of Council on Aging events, call 978-887-3591.
